METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING FAULT TOLERANT COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN NETWORK APPLIANCES

摘要

A method and apparatus for performing fault-tolerant network computing using redundant communications modules. The apparatus comprises a pair of network appliances coupled to a network. The appliances interact with one another to detect a failure in one appliance and instantly transition operations from the failed appliance to a functional appliance. Each appliance monitors the status of another appliance using multiple, redundant communication channels are formed using a plurality of network interface cards.